Health, or, How to Live

MATCHED BY A WOMAN

IN the somewhat famous case of Mrs. Bogden’s will, which was tried some years ago, Mr. Webster appeared as counselor for the appellant. Mrs. Greenough, wife of the Rev. Wm. Greenough, late of West Newton, a tall strait, queenly-looking woman, with a keen black eye — a woman of great self-possession and decision of character — was called as a witness on the opposite side. Webster at a glance had the sagacity to foresee that her testimony, if it contained anything of importance, would have great weight with the jury. He therefore resolved, if possible to break her up; and when she answered the first question put to her, — HHTL 360.1

“I believe?” Webster roared out, “we don’t want to hear what you believe we want to hear what you know?” HHTL 360.2

Mrs. Greenough replied, “That is just what I was about to say, sir,” and went on with her testimony. HHTL 360.3

And, notwithstanding his repeated efforts to disconcert her, she pursued the even tenor of her way, until Webster, becoming quite fearful of results, arose apparently in great agitation, and drawing out his large snuff-box, thrust his thumb and finger to the very bottom, and carrying the deep pinch to both nostrils, drew it up with gusto. HHTL 360.4

Webster — “Mrs. Greenough, was Mrs. Bogden a neat woman?” HHTL 360.5

Mrs. Greenough — “I cannot give you very full information as to that sir; she had one very dirty trick.” HHTL 360.6

Webster — “What’s that, ma’am?” HHTL 360.7

Mrs. Greenough — “She took snuff.” HHTL 360.8

The roar of the court was such that he neither rose nor spoke again till after Mrs. Greenough had vacated her chair for another witness. HHTL 360.9